U.S. Sen. Dean Heller says he’s endorsing Marco Rubio now that Florida Gov. Jeb Bush has dropped out of the presidential race.
The Nevada Republican said Sunday he’s become convinced Rubio can unite conservatives and beat the Democrats in the general election. Heller said he looked forward to campaigning with the Florida senator in Nevada on Sunday a few days before Republicans head to caucuses on Tuesday.
“Marco Rubio is the next generation of conservative leadership in this country,” Heller said. “I’ve become convinced that he’s the candidate capable of uniting conservatives, growing our party, and beating the Democrats in November. He understands what it takes to get our economy back on track and he understands how to keep us safe. And Marco understands Nevada, he grew up here. I am proud to offer my full support and look forward to campaigning with him in Nevada today.”
Heller announced his support for Bush in August and was the highest-ranking Nevada elected official to back him. Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval has not endorsed a candidate.
Other Bush supporters announced Sunday that they would switch to Rubio’s team. They included Rep. Mark Amodei and Assembly Majority Leader Paul Anderson.
“Marco Rubio has proven to be a principled, consistent conservative who can bring people together to get things done,” Amodei said. “Having grown up here in Nevada, Marco understands firsthand the issues we face as a state including our significant disagreements with the federal government over public lands. Marco will be a tremendous friend to Nevada and we have a unique opportunity in helping elect him to the White House. I am confident that Marco Rubio can unite our party and our country. I proudly endorse Marco and look forward to standing with him tomorrow in Nevada.”
Carson City Deputy District Attorney Adriana Fralick also endorsed Rubio on Sunday.
